FT: West Ham 2-1 West Brom: Carroll ends his drought to give Hammers dramatic win

It went from one of the worst results of the season to the most dramatic victory of the season for West Ham United, as Andy Carroll’s brace and late winner in the final moments gave them a vital 2-1 win over fellow struggles West Bromwich Albion.

It was an unacceptable first half for the Hammers, as they trailed at the break from a James McClean deflected goal in the 30th minute. Despite their opponents playing on Sunday, West Ham were looking second best for decent portions of the half, despite Manuel Lanzini’s two good efforts being stopped by Ben Foster.

But just when it seemed it would be a frustrating failure of an evening for West Ham, they found the equalizer just before the hour mark, when Aaron Cresswell produced his only great cross of the match that lead to Carroll ending the longest goal drought of his career. His first scoring tally in a long time, the first goal for the Hammers in 2018, and a needed finish it was.

Moyes’ men pressed on for a possible winner, but almost were caught by the Baggies own thoughts of securing a shock three points, as Angelo Ogbonna had to perfectly get right his tackle from behind on substitute Olivier Burke’s clear run on goal.

When it seemed the result was going to be an inevitable draw, the Hammers showed the resolve that could keep them at least up this season. On a late push up the field, the energetic Marko Arnautovic found Carroll, as the tall striker finished calmly with his feet for the dramatic winner, four minutes into stoppage time. It was truly the perfect way for Carroll to end his barren spell.

With the Hammers pulsating win at the death, they will face their own 48-hour turnaround match of the season, when they venture crosstown to face Tottenham on Thursday. But even a heavy defeat there won’t take away the shine of this thrilling come from behind win, the first this season for the club.